Integration Inc.

Builder support includes models and collateral, says Ian Hendler, director of business development at Leviton. The integrator would provide basic training for the builder sales agent. Builder models include a working unit as part of an existing model home or in a design center. “Builders can have demo content on the server and show prospective buyers the value proposition with photo slide shows, music and videos,” he says. Some builders are using the technological capabilities of the system as a sales tool to merchandise other amenities they offer including granite countertops, carpeting, and premium cabinetry.

According to Hendler, the first question builders have when presented with the LE&AP system relates to potential hard disk failures. “Builders want to know, ‘Is it a computer that’s going to break down? Am I going to have callbacks?’” Hendler says. Builders are also concerned about survey dissatisfaction due to technical complexities of the system.

Leviton is taking the approach that the LE&AP system is more “an appliance than a computer,” Hendler says. “Builders are thinking more of a product like a Microsoft Media Center system with its more inherent complexity and support issues,” he says. “We say LE&AP is more of a natural extension to what you’re doing already with structured wiring.” To address the hard drive failure scenario, the system can support up to four 300-gigabyte hard drives, one of which can be used as a mirror to back up digital content. The system also operates independently of a PC after initial setup.

For integrators, the system offers opportunities for recurring service fees. Typical upkeep for the system incurs no service charges, with software upgrades available for free via the Internet, assuming the LE&AP system is connected to a broadband router. Consumers can select those updates from the TV menu.

The LE&AP system works with a television to create simple menus for homeowners to organize and play videos and music. In addition, plans are underway to offer control of other functions such as lighting and HVAC. Additional services integrators could offer as premiums include connecting IP cameras to the system so that homeowners could view camera feeds from any connected TV. Another premium service could be DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System). DDNS enables homeowners to tap into their home server over the Internet using a familiar Web address that remains constant even if the equipment’s IP address changes. Integrators might also offer premium music-ripping services. “But most installers will put this in as a one-shot,” Hendler says.

Hendler maintains structured wiring is approaching utility status now in the new-home market. He compares it to the early days of broadband Internet and its evolution to become just another residential telecommunications service. “We feel LE&AP unifies what are currently separate islands of connectivity in the home,” he says. “Microsoft may say that going forward all technology in the home is going to be based around the PC, and the consumer electronics industry may say it’s going to be based around appliances. We say there is no silver bullet. The answer is going to be some kind of hybrid, and we want to be that bridging hybrid.” —Rebecca Day specializes in writing about home electronics. She can be reached at customhomerd@aol.com.